The Prince Albert II Foundation (Official name: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco) is a Monaco-based charity which has donated millions in various environmental projects. The foundation was initially created in 2006 by Prince Albert II of Monaco and it concentrates on environmental protection, sustainable development, climate change and the promotion of renewable energies as well as biodiversity. The foundation supports also projects which develop water resource management or desertification control technologies. The foundation is part of the Foundations Platform F20, a global network of foundations and philanthropic organizations. Background In 1906, Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanography who paved the way as far as environment protection is concerned, explored the unknown regions of Spitsbergen. In harsh weather conditions, the Prince and scientists aboard his vessel made an inventory of marine life and took meteorological readings and photographs in order to study the movements of the sea ice and glaciers. In 2006, Prince Albert II of Monaco, in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, visited the Arctic, reaching the North Pole on 16 April so that he could assess the effects of global warming on the weakening ice. Following this expedition, the Prince decided to create a foundation dedicated to environmental protection. Purpose The foundation has set itself into three specific goals: To form partnerships in order to conduct projects in its priority areas for action. To raise the awareness of the population and public authorities regarding the impact of human activities on the natural environment in order to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviour. To promote outstanding initiatives and innovative solutions, in particular by awarding prizes and grants. Geographical areas of activity The foundation implements a wide range of projects in its three priority geographical areas of activity. The Mediterranean Basin is a natural priority area due to the geographical location of the Principality. The foundation is keen to take action with the players concerned, in order to preserve the wealth of the marine and land ecosystems, to curb the extinction of the most endangered species and to develop access to water resources. The Polar Regions, privileged witnesses to the world environment. The effects of global warming, pollution, the extinction of species and the threats to the indigenous people are considerable. The Least Developed Countries, particularly exposed to major environmental issues, are affected by desertification, water scarcity and deforestation. The foundation devotes part of its efforts to these countries not